Orenitram

Orenitram is a prostanoid used for the treatment of symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The right ventricle works harder to pump enough blood through the lungs when the small blood vessels in the lungs become more resistant to blood flow.

This drug relaxes these blood vessels and increases the supply of blood to the lungs resulting in reduced workload of the heart. This drug requires a prescription.

Before using Orenitram, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

• Studies in children regarding the correlation of age to the effects of treprostinil have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established.
• Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of treprostinil. Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have liver or heart problems.
• Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

• Alipogene
• Tiparvovec
• Recombinant Alteplase
• Anagrelide
• Apixaban
• Ardeparin
• Argatroban
• Aspirin
• Bivalirudin
• Certoparin
• Dabigatran
• Etexilate
• Dalteparin
• Danaparoid
• Desirudin
• Dipyridamole
• Edoxaban
• Enoxaparin
• Eptifibatide
• Fluoxetine
• Fondaparinux
• Heparin
• Lepirudin
• Levomilnacipran
• Nadroparin
• Parnaparin
• Phenindione
• Phenprocoumon
• Pixantrone
• Protein C
• Reviparin
• Rivaroxaban
• Tinzaparin
• Vilazodone
• Vortioxetine
• or Warfarin

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as hypotension, stomach or bowel problems, stroke, or liver disease.

To use Orenitram properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

Check with your healthcare professional before you stop taking this drug. The extended-release tablet must be swallowed whole. Crushing, breaking, or chewing the drug is not recommended. 

This drug must be taken with food. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed.

The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.

• Adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension are initially given 0.25 milligrams two times a day with food, taken 12 hours apart, or 0.125 mg three times a day, taken 8 hours apart. Your healthcare professional may increase your dose if necessary and tolerated.
• Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional.

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

Before using Orenitram, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.

Unwanted effects can be screened using blood tests. Avoid using other drugs that also contain treprostinil such as RemodulinВ® or TyvasoВ® to prevent any serious side effects.

Stopping or changing the dose of this drug suddenly may bring on symptoms of your condition and can be dangerous. Check with your healthcare professional before stopping or changing your dose.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking a blood thinner, since this drug may increase the risk of bleeding, especially in patients receiving blood thinners. It is normal to pass part of the tablet into your stools.

The tablet shell may get stuck in a blind pouch or diverticulum in your intestine if you have diverticulosis. Intake of alcohol is not recommended while you are using this drug.

Check with your healthcare professional before taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Orenitram. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

• decreased urine
• dry mouth
• increased thirst
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle pain or cramps
• nausea or vomiting
• pain in the jaw, arms, or legs
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• or symptoms of overdose such as blurred vision
• confusion
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• headache
• or sweating

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.